Google has announced that it will discontinue the chat feature on Google Business Profiles.
The checkout process will begin on July 15th and functionality will be completed on July 31st.
The news was emailed to the companies, acknowledging the potential difficulty of the decision and emphasizing Google’s commitment to remain a helpful partner in business management.
Google’s email to businesses says:
“We’re reaching out to share that we’ll be ending the Google Chat feature on Google Business Profile on July 31, 2024. We recognize that this can be difficult news, as we’re continually improving our tools, we’ve sometimes to make difficult decisions that can impact the companies and partners we work with.It’s important to us that Google remains a helpful partner as you run your business, and we remain committed to that mission.
Google will stop creating new conversations starting July 15th, and chat functionality will end completely on July 31st. Keep in mind that customers will still be able to find and contact your business using Google Search and Maps, and learn more about you from links on your website. , business description, photos, and anything else you share on your business profile.”
Impact on companies and customers
Starting July 15, customers will no longer be able to start new chat conversations with businesses through Google.
Customers currently participating in chat conversations will receive notifications informing them of the upcoming phase-out of the chat feature.
However, customers will still be able to locate and contact businesses using Google Search and Maps, and access information through website links, business descriptions, photos, and other items shared on business profiles.
Google’s decision to discontinue business chat
Google says the decision to cancel the chat feature is part of ongoing efforts to streamline its offerings.
To help businesses with the transition, Google has provided guidance on the following steps:
Download chat history: Businesses that want to keep a record of past chats on their business profile can download the chat history of customer conversations using Google Takeout.
Alternative chat solutions: Google suggests that businesses invite customers to alternative chat solutions to continue conversations seamlessly.
Background and context
Google Business Profile, formerly known as Google My Business, is a free tool for businesses to manage their online presence on Google, including Search and Maps. The chat feature allowed customers to communicate directly with businesses through their business profiles.
Although chat functionality will no longer be available, Google remains committed to providing a platform for businesses to manage their online presence and connect with customers.
Featured image: Vladimka production/Shutterstock
[ad_2]
Source link
